DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a friend who is active on Facebook -- always updating her status, writing on friends' walls and posting photos of her activities. A lot of the times, the photos she puts up are of her at parties and other events. I am sure she would not want a family member or employer to see some of these pictures, but she evidently hasn't really thought about this, as she continues to post unsavory pictures of herself.

Frankly, I don't care what she does in her free time, but I don't want her to get hurt because she put a bad picture on Facebook. How do I suggest that she take down these pictures without sounding like I am judging her? -- Paranoid, Kalamazoo, Mich.

DEAR PARANOID: The best way to be a friend to this person is to be honest and upfront about your concerns. Tell her that you understand she loves to use social media but that you have learned employers surf the Internet to learn whether potential employees have the desired scruples and moral fortitude.

The reality is that what people do in their spare time DOES matter. Everything you do matters to your life and the quality of experiences that you can enjoy. That means that how you document what you do is key to contemplate.

Naturally, everybody makes mistakes sometimes. However, I would strongly suggest to your friend that she remove any questionable material from her Facebook page and, more, that she consider curbing any actions that may be considered unsavory.

If your friend thinks she must keep questionable images and comments posted, suggest she restrict access to "Friends" only. But let her know that even with restricted access, someone can take a screen shot and share it with others. So the best decision would be to take down the unsavory content immediately.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My senior prom is coming up, and I see that all the girls going are spending tons of money on dresses. I don't want to spend a ridiculous amount on a dress that I'm going to wear only once, but I also don't want to be embarrassed if my dress is clearly the cheapest one there. What should I do? -- Prudent Student, Gallup, N.M.

DEAR PRUDENT STUDENT: You are wise to want to spend your money carefully. Guess what? You can rent a high-end dress -- one you would probably never consider if you were going to buy a dress outright.

One of the popular websites that rent high-end clothing is www.renttherunway.com. You can find a wide array of fashion options there at extremely affordable prices, starting at $40.

Typically, you select a dress in your size and a size up. You have to return the items within seven days. It's a brilliant alternative to breaking your bank.

My former intern used Rent the Runway recently and was very pleased -- and she didn't see anyone wearing the same dress.

Additionally, you can embellish a dress you already have with fancy accessories. You don't have to be wearing the most fabulous outfit in the room to enjoy yourself. And you don't have to go cheap just because your resources are limited.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have a phobia of writing. I have a million and one ideas in my head, but I am afraid to put them on paper because of the potential grammatical errors. For example, writing a three-paragraph letter normally should take about 30 minutes. It will take me about an hour.

I would like to overcome my fear of writing. Can you offer some advice? -- Writer's Block, Queens, N.Y.

DEAR WRITER'S BLOCK: I actually think you are suffering from a tremendous fear of inadequacy more than writer's block, which occurs when your brain freezes and no thoughts come forth.

The best way to gain confidence in your writing ability is to enroll in classes that will support you. Take a basic grammar course and build a strong vocabulary, step by step. Then take a series of writing classes, starting with the simplest class you can find. Your goal is not to challenge yourself yet but to learn the fundamentals. If you can afford it, find a tutor who will work with you one-on-one to refine your skills.

By all means, go to the library and check out books on language use. Study them daily so that you immerse yourself in language building. If you remain dedicated to learning, with the proper support and commitment, you will improve your ability.

DEAR HARRIETTE: A high school friend and I had a falling-out recently. It's pretty obvious that the friendship is now over. She unfriended me on Facebook without provocation weeks after we'd actually had any sort of conversation. We're in the same group of friends, though. Chances are that we'll still have to see each other and that other friends will notice the tension, since we used to be pretty close.

How can I explain the situation to our fellow friends if they ask to avoid as much awkwardness as possible? --Flummoxed, Laredo, Texas

DEAR FLUMMOXED: I wouldn't rush to report that you and this former friend have parted ways. Wait until it naturally comes up. You will only ignite more interest in your fractured relationship if you bring everyone into it.

If and when your friends ask about the breakup, do your best to stay positive, and keep the details to a minimum. Acknowledge that you two have parted ways but that you still care about her.

You could ask your friends to be sensitive to the fact that you are on the outs. Ask them to avoid putting the two of you directly together in social settings whenever possible.

That said, I think you should prepare yourself to see this former friend and behave cordially. You might even want to apologize to her for your part in the falling-out that ended the friendship. It doesn't matter if she was at fault, too. I'm sure you are sorry your close relationship is over.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I've been invited to a pool party later this summer, and I am totally freaked out. The woman who invited me is rail-thin, just like all of her friends. I am overweight and definitely not ready for prime time. I will not be putting on a bathing suit.

How can I go to the party and be comfortable? Should I just not go? I like this woman, but I don't really like my body right now. -- Under Wraps, Staten Island, N.Y.

DEAR UNDER WRAPS: Don't fret, at least not about how to get through the party. You do not have to swim. Believe it or not, many people -- women, in particular -- go to pool and beach parties and hang out rather than take a dip.

I can assure you that women of every body type often feel insecure when it comes to slipping into the pool. You probably won't be alone in your skittishness. If you do decide to get in, I bet you won't have a pool full of women gawking at you to size you up.

The other great news is that absolutely every type of beach cover-up you could imagine is in stores right now. You can find a lovely, flowing cover-up that looks elegant and hides any body parts about which you may be feeling insecure.

For your own good, start some type of fitness routine that will get you healthy and toned. Meanwhile, trust that you will be welcomed and not judged at the party. Go and have a great time!

DEAR HARRIETTE: I have recently been in the company of too many people with bad breath. As much as I want to talk to these people in casual conversation, I have been put off by serious halitosis. One dude knew his breath stank, and he tried to cover up his mouth when he was talking. Of course, then it was hard for me to understand his muffled voice.

I can't go around offering gum or mints all the time. What can I do, shy of vomiting, after I suck in so much stench? -- Bombarded, Shreveport, La.

DEAR BOMBARDED: Many people do not take good enough care of their teeth and overall oral health. Some people do not brush their teeth daily. (I know. Yuck.) Others have gum disease or other ailments that cause halitosis.

You are right that you cannot offer everyone quick mint fixes or recommend that they visit a doctor or dentist. But you can stand upwind of them. You can turn your head when the person's breath is wafting right toward your nose. You can do like the man you mentioned and cover your nose with your hand, hopefully blocking the fumes without seeming too obvious. You can stay a few feet away from the person while talking, or even move around as you speak. I feel your pain!